BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces killed a Palestinian near the northern occupied West Bank city of Tulkarem early on Tuesday evening after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing attack.

An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma'an that "an assailant armed with a knife approached Israeli forces at a crossing adjacent to Tulkarem," adding that Israeli forces "fired at the attacker, resulting in his death."

The spokesperson added that no Israelis were injured in the incident.

Locals later identified the slain Palestinian as Nidal Daoud Mahdawi, 44, who was a holder of Israeli residency, married, and a father of five.

Witnesses told Ma'an that Mahdawi approached the checkpoint when gunshots were heard and Mahdawi was seen falling to the ground after being injured by several bullets fired by the Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces then closed the checkpoint and prevented anyone from entering Tulkarem.

According to Hebrew media, Israeli authorities said that the Palestinian was throwing rocks at the Beit Lid checkpoint, also known as Checkpoint 104, adding that "at some point he pulled out a knife and attempted to stab a soldier," and was subsequently shot dead by Israeli forces.

Mahdawi is the fifth Palestinian to have been confirmed killed by Israeli forces in 2017. Four Israelis have been killed by Palestinians in the first two weeks of the year.

In 2016, Ma'an recorded the deaths of 112 Palestinians, 15 Israelis, and three foreign nationals.

Rights groups have routinely condemned Israeli authorities for their excessive use of force against Palestinians, including minors, during incidents which could have been handled without the use of deadly violence.